Ciprofloxacin: uses and the important safety warnings

By the Medsmingle Team · Updated 13 November 2026

This is a prescription medicine. Only take it if it has been prescribed for you after a medical assessment, and follow your doctor’s and pharmacist’s instructions.

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used for some urinary, gut, bone and other bacterial infections. It’s effective, but the FDA has added strong warnings, so it’s usually reserved for when other antibiotics aren’t suitable.

FDA boxed warnings

• Tendon inflammation and rupture, especially the Achilles tendon, more likely over 60, with steroids, or after a kidney, heart or lung transplant
• Peripheral nerve damage: pain, burning, tingling or numbness
• Mental health effects: anxiety, confusion, agitation
• Worsening muscle weakness in myasthenia gravis

Stop taking it and call your doctor straight away if you notice tendon pain, nerve symptoms or mood changes.

Other side effects

• Nausea, diarrhea
• Dizziness, sun sensitivity
• Low blood sugar in people with diabetes
• Rare aortic aneurysm risk in people already at risk

How to take it

• Take 2 hours before or 6 hours after antacids or mineral supplements containing iron, zinc or calcium, which block absorption
• Do not take with dairy or calcium-fortified drinks alone; it may be taken with a meal that includes them. Follow any individual fluid advice.

Interactions

• Tizanidine (must not be combined)
• Theophylline and caffeine (levels rise)
• Warfarin

Frequently asked questions

Can I take cipro with milk?

Not with dairy alone; it can be taken with a meal that includes some dairy.

For questions about a prescription or symptoms, speak with your own doctor or pharmacist. For website enquiries, contact our team.

General information only. It isn’t a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

Source

MedlinePlus patient medicine information. This overview does not list every warning or interaction.